Rep. Hugh Holliman didn't know what would happen to his proposed ban on smoking in public places.
The Lexington Democrat, who is House majority leader, pulled the bill from the floor several times in recent weeks. But on Wednesday, he decided to give it his best shot.
"I hope some people would switch and vote for it," he said. "Obviously, some people switched and voted against it."
Seventeen Democrats joined with 44 Republicans to vote the bill down last night, while eight Republicans supported it. (N&O)
Opponents argued the bill would criminalize smoking and punish business owners unfairly. (AP)
Aside from the two parties, no particular interest group voted as a bloc. The proposal is dead for the session, but Holliman has filed a bill to raise the cigarette tax. (Isaac Hunter's Tavern)
A bill to ban smoking in government buildings is also still alive. (W-SJ)
Correction: An earlier version of this post misstated the votes by Democrats and Republicans.
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Re: Smoked out
May 3, 2007 - 11:26am — JacksonToddSmoking Ban Defeat Victory For Private Property Owners
Americans for Prosperity – North Carolina Grassroots Members Key To Victory
RALEIGH, N.C. –The North Carolina State House defeated a proposed statewide smoking ban after grassroots members of Americans for Prosperity-North Carolina and other supporters of private property rights expressed opposition to the proposed private property smoking ban.
“From day one Americans for Prosperity-North Carolina has pointed out that any restaurant owner in North Carolina is free to operate a smoke-free establishment and many have elected to do so, based on feedback from their patrons and employees, and this is how it should be,” said AFP-NC Communications Director Dallas Woodhouse. “While we should all be mindful of health concerns, people in a free society should be able to make choices that other people may not agree with. The vote on the North Carolina House Floor was a historic victory for individual liberty and private property rights.”
Support is high for property owners deciding the smoking policy for their establishment according to a recent poll by the John William Pope Civitas Institute. The poll shows that 70% of North Carolinians support the rights of restaurant, bar and tavern owners to set their own smoking policy as long as a sign is posted at the entrance of the property.